WFSB Channel 3Old Saybrook sporting goods store closing

Old Saybrook sporting goods store closing

Business was brisk on Monday at North Cove Outfitters in Old Saybrook, but for all the wrong reasons.

For nearly 24 years North Cove has been the place to go for outdoors enthusiasts who were seeking hiking gear or any sporting goods.

But after weathering the economic storm, the unseasonably warm winter forced the owners to go out of business.

"It's not something we wanted to do. It affects too many people who are our friends, not just our employees," said Norm Cavallaro, a co-owner. 

There are 40 full- and part-time employees who were given the news on Friday.

"It's a big family. It's a sad day. I'm sure as Norman said, we have at least a dozen employees with 10-to-12 years. It's tough," said John Sahadi, an employee of 12-and-a-half years.

The sale at the store will go on for several weeks. Cavallaro says all the quality material like some of the fishing rods are going to go first.

Depending on how brisk sales are, North Cove expects the doors will finally close in six to 10 weeks.

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